Coffs Harbour is home to over 1,600 refugees, making it one of the highest refugee populations in northern NSW. ‘Journey Stories’ was commissioned by Health Infrastructure on behalf of the Mid North Coast LHD specifically to engage new arrival communities in the co-design of the Coffs Harbour Health Campus Expansion in 2022.
Facilitated by the Multicultural Health Unit in collaboration with schools and community settlement organisations, the project engaged creative practice and cultural rituals of all genres to meaningfully connect the health service to multiple language groups and young adults.
This deeply rich cultural exchange resulted in a series of creative initiatives including an exhibition of photographic portraits of community members and artworks by recently arrived young adults from across the globe. Collectively they provide joy and inspire hope for patients and visitors during their hospital experience and health journey.
Two further initiatives are scheduled for release in 2023, including a short film and original music composition, featuring Bobby Singh, Ali Hasan, and Marko Kisose.
This project provides evidence that the Arts enables a universal and culturally safe language, and directly contributes to key objectives of the Future Health Strategic Framework. A similar model for community arts engagement is being scaled for the Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct.
